UCOR has enhanced the prescription drug coverage under the PPO medical plan for 2027. These changes are designed to provide set, predictable pricing and save you money on your prescription needs. These prescription coverage enhancements apply only to the PPO plan. There are no changes to the HSA CDHP or CDHP plans.
Fixed Prices (Copays) for Most Prescription Drugs
Most prescription drug costs under the PPO plan are changing to fixed copays rather than coinsurance after your pharmacy deductible is met:
- Tier 1 & Tier 2 (preferred & non-preferred generic): $10 copay
- Tier 3 (preferred brand): $35 copay
- Tier 4 (non-preferred brand): $60 copay
- Tiers 5 & 6 (specialty drugs): 20% coinsurance after deductible with a maximum cost of $400 per fill.
Lower Cost Protection: The copay amount represents the maximum you will pay. If the actual cost of your medication is lower than the copay (for example, a generic drug that costs $7), you will pay the lower amount.
Separate In-Network Pharmacy Deductible
Under the PPO plan, a separate deductible applies specifically to in-network pharmacy coverage:
- $200 — Employee Only coverage
- $400 — Employee + 1 or Family coverage
Key Benefit: This separate in-network pharmacy deductible is significantly lower than the standard medical deductible, allowing you to reach your set copay pricing much faster at the start of the year.
Bigger Savings on 90-Day Supplies
You save when you fill a 90-day prescription—either through retail or mail order. You pay only 2.5 times the monthly price instead of 3:
- Tiers 1 & 2: $25 (instead of 3 x $10, or $30)
- Tier 3: $87.50 (instead of $105)
- Tier 4: $150 (instead of $180)
Preventive Drug List & Weight Loss Coverage Details Across Plans (no changes in 2027)
- Preventive drug list (all plans): All UCOR medical plans continue to include a preventive drug list, which bypasses the deductible and has established dollar limits. The finalized 2027 preventive list is expected to be released in November.
- Weight loss medications (all plans): Weight loss medications remain available under all plans.
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- Under the PPO plan, standard copays apply.
- Under the HSA CDHP and CDHP plans, there is no dollar limit on cost.
- Preauthorization is required for weight loss medications across all plans.
2027 Employee Premium Rates Across All Plans, Effective Jan. 1, 2027
You will see a slight increase to your medical premiums in 2027. Below are the employee premiums per pay period for 2027:
Medical PPO Plan
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HSA CDHP Plan
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CDHP Plan
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Important Dates & Next Steps
- Annual enrollment: 2027 Annual Enrollment will be held from Oct. 26 – Nov. 6.
- No action needed: This is an informational announcement highlighting your enhanced prescription benefits under the PPO – no action is required from employees.
- Final drug list: The complete 2027 BCBST drug list is expected to be released in November and will be posted to the UCOR Benefits Center.
If you have questions, contact UCOR Benefits at Benefits@orcc.doe.gov
